storming."--_New York Sunday Herald._

In that case try a wind-pill.

* * * * *

"To-day's Russian communique says:--

In Persia, on the road to Kermanshah, we have occupied the town
of Kangavar.

Note.--Kangavar is a town of 15-3/4-3/4 inhabitants in the
Province of Ardilan."--_Aberdeen Evening Express._

This is carrying accuracy to an extreme, even for Scotland.

* * * * *

[Illustration: THE CHALLENGE.

"HALT! WHO COMES THERE?" "NEUTRAL." "PROVE IT!"]

["What I would say to Neutrals is this: Do they admit our right to apply
the principles which were applied by the American Government in the War
between North and South--to apply those principles to modern conditions
and to do our best to prevent trade with the enemy through neutral
countries? If the answer is that we are not entitled to do that, then I
must say definitely that it is a departure from neutrality."--_Sir
EDWARD GREY._]

* * * * *

ESSENCE OF PARLIAMENT.

(EXTRACTED FROM THE DIARY OF TOBY, M.P.)

_House of Commons, Monday, January 24th._--At Question time House
crowded in response to urgent Whip issued in anticipation of division on
Third Reading of Military Service Bill. Members ready to vote;
disinclined to remain to hear speeches, delivered on Second Reading and
Committee stages, reiterated by small minority on Report. Thus it came
to pass that when on stroke of half-past nine this milestone passed,
Benches were almost empty.

Filled up when Third Reading moved, and debate lamely set on foot again.
WALTER LONG, who has greatly helped BONAR LAW in his successful
management of Bill, set good example by moving Third Reading without
additional word of comment or argument. Example thrown away. More last
words spoken under embarrassing accompaniment of private conversation
and other signs of impatience.

Shortly after eleven o'clock division taken, revealing existence of
solid minority of three dozen. Oddly enough, whilst rattling majority on
Second Reading was hailed with enthusiastic cheering, that on Third
Reading was heard in silence, Members hurrying off in search of taxis.

_Business done._--By majority of 347, in House of 419 Members, Military
Service Bill read a third time and passed on to Lords.

_House of Lords, Tuesday._--Military Service Bill turned up for Second
Reading. Full attendance and a gathering of C